Do you have a qualifying condition?
You should always remember that Social Security only recognizes total, long-term, disabilities when determining eligibility for SSI. This means that partial disabilities or short-term disabilities are not recognized by the Social Security Administration.
- Your disability must be expected to last at least one year or end in death;
- Your disability must be severe enough to keep you from working in any full time job while dealing with the condition (Social Security considers full time work to be any work in which you earn more than $1,070 per month)
Eligibility requirements for SSI benefits can be very confusing, and the best way to determine eligibility is to contact our office at 1-800-488-4775 and speak to one of our client service representatives.
Are you in financial need?
To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income you must be in financial need as defined by the Social Security Administration. Supplemental Security Income eligibility can be quite confusing, the best way to determine your eligibility is to contact our office at 1-800-488-4775 and speak to one of our client service representatives. The basic eligibility requirements for SSI benefits are listed below for both individuals and married people suffering from a disability.
Individual
- $2,000 in assets (these are things you own): Social Security does not count a home, one car, life insurance (worth less than $1500), or funds saved for burial expenses as assets.
- $721 per month in income – Social Security counts any money you receive as income, for example, pay from a job, private disability benefits, Veterans’ benefits, alimony, a pension, etc.
- It is important to note that not all income is counted, for example, if you work part time and receive payment for it, up to one half of that income would most likely not be counted.
- Any income that you do have will be subtracted from the amount you would normally receive from SSI, for example, if you are approved for SSI and you have $500 in income you will only receive $221 from SSI ($721 maximum benefit minus $500 you have in outside income)
Married Couple
- $3,000 in assets (these are things you own): Social Security does not count a home, one car, life insurance (worth less than $1500), or funds saved for burial expenses as assets.
- $1081 per month in income – Social Security counts any money you receive as income, for example, pay from a job, private disability benefits, Veterans’ benefits, alimony, a pension, etc.
- It is important to note that not all income is counted, for example, if you work part time and receive payment for it, up to one half of that income will most likely not be counted.
- Any income that you or your spouse have will be subtracted from the amount you would normally receive from SSI, for example, if you are approved for SSI and your spouse has $500 in income you will only receive $581 from SSI ($1081 maximum benefit minus $500 your spouse has in outside income)
What kind of evidence do I need?
Both medical and non-medical evidence is needed to prove your disability case.
Medical Evidence:
While it may be difficult due to lack of insurance or other factors, it is extremely important to keep regular appointments with your doctors for your medical conditions. During these doctor’s visits you should make a point to mention your symptoms and any side effects from medications you are on for your conditions. In addition to medical records, our office prepares specialized questionnaires for your doctor to fill out describing your conditions, and how your conditions affect your ability to work.
Non-Medical Evidence:
Since Supplemental Security Income eligibility is based on more than just a medical disability, it is important to keep or collect non-medical information that will make it easier for Social Security to award you benefits. This includes tax information, information about the type of work that you performed, bank statements, eviction notices, foreclosure notices, past due bills, an original birth certificate, and any workers’ compensation or private disability claim information relating to your conditions.
Call our office today and see if you qualify:
While we provide the information above about Social Security Disability benefits so that you will better understand if you are eligible, the best way to check your eligibility is by calling our office and speaking to one of our client service representatives today. You may reach our office toll free at 1-800-488-4775.